The amount you can receive will vary depending on a number of factors. The particular facts and circumstances of your case are important. Additionally, the law regarding compensation for a companion animal’s death or injury also varies from state to state, and is in flux.

Here are some basics:

By and large animals are considered “property” under the law. This means that in many cases, you are limited to compensation for your animal’s “market value,” along with associated “economic damages” like veterinary bills.

In recognition of animals’ elevated places in our homes and lives, a growing number of states now also allow greater awards than economic damages. In these states — including Tennessee, Illinois and New York — you may also be able to receive non-economic and punitive damages in some cases, such as if the person who harmed your animal did so on purpose.

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Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against Olympic Game Farm, a roadside drive-through zoo in Sequim, Washington, for maintaining animals in squalid conditions in violation of the Endangered Species Act and state animal protection laws.

As 2019 approaches, we’re looking back at our biggest legal victories for animals over the last 12 months. These are just a few highlights – watch the video from Executive Director Stephen Wells to learn about all the legal advances we made for animals.

Since 1979, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has led the charge to win animals the legal protection they so desperately need—and deserve. Your generous gift will assure that we can continue to take on cases that advance the interests of animals.